Read the transcript of  yesterday’s ‘”Twitterview’ by Andy Stuart (Norwegian Cruise Line’s executive vice president of global sales and passenger services) of ExpertCruiser.  It was a lively hour of fun and cruise industry talk.

nclandy: @xriva I am glad you found the CNBC special useful and interesting. We look forward to welcoming you back. #cruise #ncltt http://ow.ly/T2yE
about 21 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

ExpertCruiser: RT @OrlandoChris: Thank you @nclandy and @ExpertCruiser for an interesting discussion #ncltt #cruise Thanks Chris!
about 21 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

CruiseLog: Count me in! … RT @nclandy: @theflaggagency we will of course include @cruiselog in the festivities! #cruise #ncltt
about 21 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

theflaggagency: @nclandy Knowing your biggest challenge will of course be satellite availability. #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

theflaggagency: @nclandy I wish you would borrow a page from RCI but instead have a live tweeter(s) giving updates as NCL Epic crosses. #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

ExpertCruiser: @nclandy So we’re on for a sea trial? And a contest for a fellow “Twitter’er”? That would be cool! #cruise #ncltt
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cruiseguy: What does @ExpertCruiser think about NCL’s Epic addition? #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet

OrlandoChris: Thank you @nclandy and @ExpertCruiser for an interesting discussion #ncltt #cruise
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

nclandy: @theflaggagency we will of course include @cruiselog in the festivities! #cruise #ncltt
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cruiseguy: @nclandy @CruiseExpert Andy, you said 1 hour. Still have 10 minutes #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Yikes, I type too fast sometimes. I thought I was adding #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

nclandy: @ExpertCruiser Thanks for joining us today. We welcome questions, so Tweet us @nclandy & @ExpertCruiser and use the #ncltt at the end of…
about 22 hours ago from HootSuite · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Hi Andy, it was a pleasure! Anytime, this was a lot of fun! #cruise #ncltt
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cruiseguy: Not sure where @CruiseLog Gene, the Dancing Machine is.@theflaggagency Does @cruiselog know about this new contest? #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet

nclandy: @ExpertCruiser we have taken a lot of your time but really enjoyed the chat. I think we have sadly run out of time. #cruise #ncltt
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nclandy: @theflaggagency thanks for the great summary of the discussion so far!! #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @theflaggagency Oh man…this could get scary! #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

theflaggagency: Does @cruiselog know about this new contest? #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

ExpertCruiser: RT @nclandy: @ExpertCruiser do you think we should bring @Cruiseguy? #cruise #ncltt NO! LOL Of course we have to bring “THE CRUISE GUY”
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

ExpertCruiser: @cruiseguy There’s nothing like camping on a cruise ship to make you realize everything that we take for granted on a regular cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

theflaggagency: So @nclandy is hosting a porn sea trial and @expertcruiser and @cruiseguy are covering it for the industry? #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

nclandy: @ExpertCruiser do you think we should bring @Cruiseguy? #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Great idea! I really think that would be special and truly unique. #cruise #ncltt
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cruiseguy: @ExpertCruiser How do sea trials help you better understand? Crew parties? #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Honestly, the biggest change was started by NCL the Freestyle dining concept revolutionized #cruise ing Everyone copied! #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser we will look at a trip to experience seatrials maybe we shld run a contest 4 a fellow twitterer to join us – thoughts? #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy I absolutely loved experiencing sea trials – would do it again in a heartbeat. Helps me understand the industry better. #ncltt
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nclandy: @Cruiseguy i am not sure you are going to be forgiven so quickly this time! #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy I will add we were supposed to be on @Silversea for 3 nights, but ended up being 2. We had a pilot boat take us off #cruise #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser What is the single biggest change you have seen in the cruise industry? #cruise #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser so sea trials are something you would be interested in participating in again? #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy I think NCL should do a sea trial story. This being a new prototype ship for the company Readers LOVE inside stories #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

cruiseguy: Isn’t it already? RT @ExpertCruiser @nclandy I think my site would be listed in the porn cat if I had photos of that episode. #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet
nclandy: @ExpertCruiser Good point on the porn category, glad you kept it clean! #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from HootSuite · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Actually our sea trials were cut early – bearing problem http://bit.ly/7CPLbY (expand) It shows why sea trials are necessary. #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy I think my site would be listed in the porn category if I had photos of that episode. #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

nclandy: @ExpertCruiser how were the sea trials and how long did they last, we have talked about a similar trip but sea trials are quite long? #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Biggest opportunities will be expanding destinations, more accessible cruising options from the U.S. #cruise #ncltt
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theflaggagency: Follow along with #ncltt as @nclAndy puts @expertcruiser in the hot seat.
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet
nclandy: @ExpertCruiser – not surprised the naked freestyling story was your biggest ever – no pictures in the link?? #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy I think the biggest challenge will be pricing the product and the possibility of oil hitting record highs again. #cruise #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser What do you think the biggest challenges and opportunities are for the cruise industry in 2010 #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy My biggest read #cruise story of ‘09 was when I went on @Silversea Silver Spirit sea trials. People like behind-the-scenes #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy I will say NCL treated the couple great. Were MORE than generous — poor window washer though – wonder about him #cruise #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser What was your biggest story of 2009? #cruise #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser thanks for the plug for the NCL PR team – they do a great job! #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy My most popular column ever was a couple on NCL doing naked freestyling with the window open http://bit.ly/8tiO6A (expand) #cruise #ncltt
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cruiseguy: @ExpertCruiser @nclandy I feel like a co-host now! #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

nclandy: @ExpertCruiser if anyone would like to see the CNBC special they can click this link http://ow.ly/T2yE #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from HootSuite · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Cruise lines that answer my queries quickly make my life easier. Thankfully that gals in the NCL PR department are great! #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

nclandy: @ExpertCruiser RT @cruiseguy: @NCLAndy Please ask Anita what was her most popular NCL related column, ever? #ncltt #cruise
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy That’s great news Andy! #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser Is there something a cruise line does that helps make your life easier as a leading cruise writer? #cruise #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser the year of the freestyle vacation is a strong consumer proposition and has been very well received so far #cruise #ncltt
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cruiseguy: @NCLAndy Please ask Anita what was her most popular NCL related column, ever? #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

nclandy: @ExpertCruiser the CNBC special also runs frequently which has been a big positive to the whole experience #cruise #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser this is my interview, but I’ll answer! yes we were plzd we did the CNBC special w’ @PeterSGreenberg it has been v. gd #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: RT @nclandy: @ExpertCruiser this is my interview, but I’ll answer! Hee hee #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet
ExpertCruiser: @nclandy So the “The Year of the Freestyle Vacation” promotion w/upgrades /savings certificates up to $400 are working? #cruise #ncltt
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nclandy: @expertcruiser would love 2 give cruises to loyal #twitter followers, but it’s wave season & they are selling fast right now! #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Are you glad NCL did the @PeterSGreenberg special? #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

cruiseguy: @ExpertCruiser @NCLAndy @NCLFreestyle Do all of the Twitterview participants here today get a FREE NCL #cruise too? #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser That’s great to hear, we have been very pleased with it as well and get lots of positive feedback from viewers #cruise #ncltt
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WeJustGotBack: I agree! RT @ExpertCruiser @nclandy I think NCL’s CNBC special with @PeterSGreenberg is one of best #cruise story coverage ever. #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet
ExpertCruiser: @nclandy NCL just gave away 7-day #cruises to audience of Ellen DeGeneres show can u do that right now for our loyal Twitter fans? #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Andy, yes. I actually think NCL’s CNBC special with @PeterSGreenberg is one of the best #cruise story coverage ever. #ncltt
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nclandy: @ExpertCruiser Do you think the cruise industry does a good job telling it’s story to the media and beyond? #cruise #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

ExpertCruiser: RT @nclandy: @ExpertCruiser What was the first #cruise #ncltt Actually it was 1998
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

ExpertCruiser: RT @nclandy: @ExpertCruiser What was the first #cruise #ncltt Carnival Fascination out of San Juan during Hurricane Georges in 1999
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

nclandy: @ExpertCruiser What was the first #cruise #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @cruiseguy You are a naughty boy! @nclandy I’ll excuse him today. He passed up a hot lunch date for our Twitterview :) #ncltt
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ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Actually by accident, I was covering airlines for publications. Went on a family #cruise wrote about it they wanted more #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

CruiseLog: Twitter #cruise talk alert: @NCLFreestyle’s @nclandy has just begun “twitterview” with @ExpertCruiser. Follow at http://bit.ly/1tH0QG (expand) #ncltt
about 22 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

nclandy: @ExpertCruiser Ignore @Cruiseguy we have as long as we need! #cruise #ncltt
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cruiseguy: @ExpertCruiser We don’t have an hour, Anita. Some of us work and don’t go on vacation as often as you! #ncltt
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nclandy: How did you become @ExpertCruiser? #ncltt
about 23 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet

cruiseguy: Should be interesting! RT @ExpertCruiser @nclandy Twitterview – join for a fun chat on all things @NCLFreestyle #cruise #travel #ncltt
about 23 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

ExpertCruiser: @nclandy Thanks Andy. I am looking forward to an hour of fun and #cruise Freestyle! #ncltt
about 23 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation

nclandy: Give a hearty #Twitter welcome to @ExpertCruiser. U can follow us today at http://bit.ly/1tH0QG (expand) #ncltt #cruise
about 23 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet

nclandy: Good afternoon, today’s Twitteriew guest is an expert cruiser with her own #cruise blog and weekly columns on MSNBC.com. #ncltt
about 23 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet

ExpertCruiser: Five more minutes for @nclandy Twitterview – join us for a fun chat on all things @NCLFreestyle and #cruise #travel #ncltt
about 23 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

ExpertCruiser: Getting ready for #cruise Twitterview with @nclandy at 1:30 – what will he ask me? What will you guys ask me? Tune in! #ncltt
about 23 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

ExpertCruiser: What will @nclandy ask me? It will be an ‘Epic’ tweetfest for sure! ;) #cruise #ncltt
about 24 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

ExpertCruiser: RT @nclandy: Preparing for twitterview with @ExpertCruiser this afternoon at 1.30pm EST #cruise #ncltt Can’t wait Andy!
about 24 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet

nclandy: Preparing for twitterview with @ExpertCruiser this afternoon at 1.30pm EST, any questions you would like me to ask? #cruise #ncltt
1 day ago from HootSuite · Reply · View Tweet

In the footsteps of Hyundai and JetBlue Airways, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) is offering a BookSafe Travel Protection Plan, which fully reimburses guests booked on a cruise if they lose their job.

“In this challenging economic environment, we are offering a safety net for guests who want to book a cruise, but are uncertain about what the future holds in terms of their employment,” said Andy Stuart, NCL’s executive vice president of global sales and passenger services. “Our BookSafe plan enables guests to book with confidence knowing that they will receive a full refund if they need to cancel their cruise because of job loss.”

NCL says it’s the first major cruise line to extend this service. Effective February 26, guests who purchase the BookSafe Travel Protection Plan for any NCL cruise departing on or after May 1 are eligible for reimbursement of any cancellation fees if an insured guest loses their job as long as the person has been an active employee at the same company for at least one year.

NCL’s enhanced travel protection plan is available starting at $29 per person, depending on the cruise fare paid. Visit NCL’s Web site for more details.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced Norwegian Epic as the name for its F3 newbuild. The news was disclosed by the line’s vice president, Andy Stuart as he spoke to travel agents at an online “webinair”. The ship will operate year-round seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Definitions of ‘epic’ include ‘amazing, of great magnitude’ and ‘surpassing the usual or ordinary, heroic,’ Stuart told agents in revealing the name of what will be the largest vessel ever built for NCL.

As earlier announced, it will sport ‘New Wave’ cabins with curvy walls, all outside accommodations will offer balconies, and there will be a range of trendy lounges including the first ice bar at sea. Further details are forthcoming.

With today’s news, NCL converted its F3 website to a new site: epic.ncl.com.

Deck plans and further information about Norwegian Epic will be released in March.

It’s been a busy day (and night) for cruise lines getting rid of fuel surcharges. First, Carnival Corp. and its six cruise lines and now Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) just announced they’re giving the supplment the heave-ho.

NCL says in response to the current continued decline of fuel prices they will be suspending the company’s fuel supplement effective immediately for all voyages departing in 2009.

NCL will refund the fuel supplement in the form of an on-board credit for all 2009 bookings within the final payment period. All existing 2009 bookings outside of the final payment period will be adjusted to remove the fuel supplement and NCL will revise the final payment amount.

“Global fuel prices have dropped to a level where we can now suspend the fuel supplement, making an NCL Freestyle Cruising vacation an even greater value,” said Andy Stuart, NCL’s executive vice president, global sales and passenger services.

NCL will continue to closely monitor global fuel prices to assess whether a reinstatement of the fuel supplement will be necessary in the future. The company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $65 per barrel.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the innovator in cruise travel with a 42-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.